WEST RUTLAND- The Twin Valley Wildcats began their week with a close road loss, 57-51. to the West Rutland Golden Horde, and went 1-2 on the week.

Twin Valley stumbled to a 10-0 early deficit as West Rutland played a 1-3-1 zone the majority of the game, and rushed Twin Valley into low-percentage corner jump shots. This essentially negated any attempts by the Wildcats to run an inside game, but Twin Valley was able to claw back in the first half, finishing the first quarter strong and bringing the game to within two at the half, 27-25.

While Twin Valley had a tough night shooting (30% overall) they spread their rebounding out, recording a team total of 37. The rebounds didn’t translate to points in the third quarter, however, as they were outscored 15-8. With the score 42-33 at the beginning of the fourth, the Wildcats would go on a 12-2 run to take the lead, 45-44, with three minutes to go. But the Golden Horde found just enough opportunities to take back control and win in the closing minute, 57-51.

The same issues as usual did not allow Twin Valley to finish. “We don’t really have a threat inside,” said coach Chris Brown. “Our best chance is to shoot the jumper. We’ll dribble in on a drive, get a little penetration, and our guards are so small compared to their big guys that their defense can just stand right up and we either have to force a shot over them or we have to shoot from the outside. Even one of our best shooters will take that outside shot and miss six out of 10 on average.”

SHEFIELD, MA- Twin Valley lost their third in a row, traveling to Mount Everett Regional High, coming away with a 64-52 non-league loss. Coach Chris Brown says the Mount Everett Eagles were bigger, faster, and stronger. Twin Valley began the game up 18-16 after the first quarter, behind a good shooting attack and a competitive defensive effort. But the Wildcats could only muster two points in the second quarter, giving up nine. The Wildcats recorded 15 steals on the night along with 34 rebounds, but in the third quarter the Eagles took advantage of Twin Valley’s lack of production, ballooning the lead to double digits.

The Wildcats were able to bring the deficit to within nine in the fourth quarter, but no closer. Sage Angell led Mount Everett with 21 points. Dal Nesbitt scored 19 points and recorded eight rebounds for Twin Valley. Colin Lozito scored 17 and had eight assists, and seven steals, and Sam Molner led Twin Valley on the boards with 10 rebounds.

TV 63, Black River 30

WILMINGTON- Dal Nesbitt scored a season-high 26 points and Colin Lozito dished out a season-high 15 assists to lead Twin Valley to a much-needed rout over Black River Tuesday night, 63-30.

Playing a winless Black River Presidents team Twin Valley was able to get all 12 active players on the court, including freshman Justin Hicks who made the most of his minutes, scoring six points on 67% shooting and grabbing two rebounds. The Wildcats would turn the ball over 24 times, but they outmatched the Presidents and ran away with the game, recording 42 rebounds, and a season-high 19 blocked shots, six from Sam Molner and four from Dylan Johnson.

Nesbitt had an all around impressive game adding seven rebounds, five assists, and five steals to his 26 points, while Lozito added 12 points, three steals, and three blocks to his 15 assists. Cade Nesbitt also scored in double digits with 10 points.

Keegan Reed and Jared Lambert also saw time for the Wildcats, who for the first time this season, were able to cruise to a victory.

The Wildcats improve to 4-9 on the season and 3-2 in league play. They host Arlington at home on Monday at 6:30 pm.